Kali is a professional speaker whose captivating stories always come from universal life experiences. She is author of two books, Truffles From Heaven and You're Not My Mom...Confessions of a Formerly "Wicked" Stepmom (coauthored with her only child, Elizabeth.)
Since 1994 she has uplifted hundreds of audiences at conferences, retreats, special events across the U.S. and Canada with an important goal in mind--to make people laugh, think and draw nearer to God. Whether speaking or writing Kali is best known for inspiring stories that delight audiences, young and old, male and female.
During college Kali modeled professionally, hosted a television show and competed in beauty pageants. In 1973 Kali was crowned Miss Missouri-World and competed in the Miss World-USA pageant. However, that tiara went to Miss Arizona, Lynda Carter--a real Wonder Woman.Kali also enjoyed a 16-year marketing career in corporate America. Three Fortune 500 corporations nationally recognized her accomplishments.
In 1993 she retired from corporate life to raise her nine-year old stepdaughter, Elizabeth. Faced with an empty nest in 1999 Kali began to pursue her passion for writing, and speaking professionally.
On New Year's Eve in 2005 Kali's life took a tragic turn when Elizabeth lost a 5-year battle with an eating disorder. Kali and her husband, Larry, have worked diligently to rebuild their lives as a living testimony to Divine comfort, peace and ultimately joy in the midst of unspeakable grief.
Their story has inspired people of all faiths and descriptions. Kali's personal hope is to shine a bright light into the dark corners of the deadly mental disease that claimed her daughter's life.
Elizabeth was our only child. Before contracting anorexia, she appeared to be a healthy, outgoing, athletic young woman. But appearances sometimes can be deceiving, and her tragic death stunned all who knew her. The following provides insights into who Elizabeth was and what she was like before anorexia caused her life to spin out of control. • As a small child, Elizabeth was a whirlwind of energy, continually performing cartwheels and headstands. Even at an early age, it was clear she had a real talent for gymnastics.
• Her bubbly, outgoing personality, however, concealed a deep hurt within--Elizabeth's birth mother, Annette, died suddenly when Elizabeth was only three and a half. It seems Elizabeth was never able to fully heal that emotional wound.
• Competitive gymnastics brought her a bedroom full of ribbons and awards, and Elizabeth climbed the ranks, eventually attaining Level 10 "Elite" gymnast status. But she was also an extremely goal-oriented, perfectionist who could be hard on herself.
• When Elizabeth's height eventually undermined her in gymnastics, she transferred those skills to competitive diving. Four years later, she was a Jr. Olympic diver nationally ranked among the top 100 female divers in the 14-16 age group. As a high school senior, she reached the Texas state finals, earning All-State honors.
• But Elizabeth's real love was cheerleading—winning many competitive awards while at Plano Senior High in suburban Dallas. She was chosen "Cheerleader of the Year" by her peers.
• She also competed for Cheer Athletics, one of the most prestigious all-star cheerleading programs in the country, with her squad capturing 1st place in national competition.
• In her freshman year at the University of Kansas, Elizabeth won a coveted spot on the varsity cheerleading squad, following in her mother, Annette's footsteps who had once cheered for Kansas State. She was also selected as an NCA staff cheerleader as an instructor for their National Cheerleading Camps.
• Ironically, her love of cheerleading proved to be her undoing. In the summer following her freshman year, her cheerleading coach suggested she lose weight or she could not be on the Jayhawks national competitive squad. All who knew her said that she had no extra weight to lose, but this seemed to trigger her anorexia, a battle she waged for the next five years.
• It's important to know that Elizabeth was more than a pretty face and pair of pompoms. She excelled in academics as well, earning two undergraduate degrees from KU, one in Journalism and another in Psychology. On campus, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and held leadership positions in several organizations.
• After KU, Elizabeth was back to target weight and seemed to be healthy and happy. She then enrolled in graduate school at the University of Denver, where she went on to earn an MBA.
• She co-authored the book, "You're Not My Mom" with her stepmom, Kali. Their heartwarming story offers encouragement for relationships in turmoil complete with practical tips to help stepfamilies find the harmony and love they came to enjoy.
• In 2005, Elizabeth married Zach, her college sweetheart and the love of her life.
• Sadly, two months later, Elizabeth lost her battle with anorexia. She was twenty-four years old.
Dr. Rick Fowler, author of 10 books, is the Executive Director of Prestonwood Counselling Center, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Fowler's professional experience includes 16 years in two outpatient clinics, and 18 years at two universities as professor of psychology, athletic director and head basketball coach. In addition, he has served as consultant and management trainer for a wide variety of business organizations and professional sport teams. Dr. Fowler has been a frequent speaker at numerous seminars and conferences across America. Rick and his wife, Jerilyn, have two married children.
